Everyone has a story to tell. Unfortunately, for 16 million American children, that story is one of hunger.

We often discuss what hunger means for kids from an adult perspective — lower test scores, poorer health, a weakened ability to escape the cycle of poverty. But what does hunger mean to a child? To better explore this question — the one that is perhaps the most important question of all — we at the No Kid Hungry campaign turned to the art of storytelling.

To illustrate the fear and pain hunger causes a child, No Kid Hungry today will premiere “The Story of Hungry,” a short, animated film depicting hunger through the eyes of a young girl, on our website and on the Rachael Ray show.

To this young girl, her hunger is not focused on the fact that her grades will suffer, or that she doesn’t have the proper nutrition to grow. To her, hunger is scary and emotional. To her, “hungry is the meanest, ugliest monster you’ve ever seen.”

The good news is, we can change the story of hungry for our youngest generation. Making sure kids have access to school meals can make a huge difference. The No Kid Hungry campaign is working with partners across the country to rethink how school meals are served, whether in the classroom or on the go, which can change a child’s day, week and even her future.

You can help us change the story of hungry. Watch and share “The Story of Hungry” today, at storyofhungry.org, and start the conversation about how you can help end childhood hunger in your own community.

Together, we can make No Kid Hungry a reality in America.

“The Story of Hungry” was conceptualized by the CAA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Creative Artists Agency, and was brought to life through the talents of Hornet Studios director Julia Potts, with contributions from music producer Justin Stanley, featuring the voices of Bess Frierson and No Kid Hungry national spokesperson and Academy Award-winner Jeff Bridges.